Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Groveland, CA
On February 20, 2010, a Piper PA-32R-301T (airplane) was involved in an accident near Groveland, CA. 2 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- February 20, 2010
- Place
- Groveland, CA
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-32R-301T · Airplane
- Injuries
- 2 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 37.864°N, 120.172°W
- NTSB ID
- 20100220X04837
Official records · WPR10FA142
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
Air traffic control records
- FAA Air Traffic Control Audio: Document (PDF), on ntsb.gov
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On February 19, 2010, at 1917 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N4175A, collided with terrain in a residential area near Groveland, California. The pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The certificated private pilot and passenger were killed. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces, and the fuselage was consumed in a post crash fire. The cross-country personal flight departed San Carlos Airport, San Carlos, California, about 1825, with a planned destination of Pine Mountain Lake Airport, Groveland. Night instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site, and no flight plan had been filed. A witness who was located in a north-facing-room in his residence, directly adjacent to the accident site, heard a sound that appeared to be emanating directly above his house. He described the sound as similar to an engine running at full power. He was concerned that someone was "buzzing" his house. He looked out of the window and a few seconds later observed an explosion about 300 feet to the northeast in his neighbor’s yard. He reported light rain and mist to be present at the time of the accident. A second witness, located 1/2 mile northeast of the approach end of runway 27, heard a low flying airplane, which he presumed was flying directly over his house. He described the sound as similar to an engine running "full bore." He immediately ran onto his deck, and a few seconds later observed a fireball erupt in the valley below. He stated that he normally has a full v
Probable cause
The pilot's continued flight into night instrument meteorological conditions during the landing approach, which resulted in an in-flight loss of aircraft control due to spatial disorientation.
More accidents in CA
- Douglas MD-83, Feb 1, 2000
- Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32, Aug 31, 1986
- British Aerospace BAE-146-200, Dec 8, 1987
- Beech C-99, Aug 24, 1984
- Sikorsky S-61N, Aug 6, 2008
Browse: California · Piper aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
